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2007 Downtown Partnership Committees
The Partnership has a variety of committees to carry out the goals of the organization. All are comprised of volunteers from the Board, the membership and the community.
Policy Sub-Committee
While all committees contribute to the success of the organization, our Policy Committee is the heart of DTP, with issues subcommittees formed to address current and ongoing issues and challenges facing our downtown. Working collaboratively with other stakeholders, subcommittees prepare positions for adoption by The Partnership Board, proactively and in response to specific issues that arise from civic considerations and decisions. Following Board approval, position papers become DTP policy and appropriate actions ensue to effect change.
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Transportation Committee
Transportation issues usually present themselves for public debate singly, and most often in the context of a road congestion problem that needs to be fixed or an infrastructure investment that must be made: an intersection or roundabout, a road widening, or a transit center. The Partnership seeks to establish a broader way of looking at transportation issues, in the context of long-range planning that emphasizes alternatives to the automobile as well as congestion relief, in order to create a truly walkable downtown.
The transportation committee is currently completing a report aimed at identifying long-term priorities and establishing some principles to apply in addressing specific transportation issues as they arise.
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Downtown Housing (AROD)
The committee successfully supported efforts to increase residential densities in the western part of downtown through a Downtown Residential Overlay District (DROD). The current focus is on creation of affordable (under $250,000) units by allowing increased densities of up to 80 units per acre, 4-5 stories tall, with hidden parking. The most appropriate areas for this type of development are not in downtown itself, where land prices are too high to allow affordable housing, but adjoining nearby neighborhoods, particularly where such developments could serve as a buffer between the neighborhood and abutting major roads.
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Downtown Entertainment
Making downtown funky. Unless we can find a way to make downtown more attractive to younger people, we will never have the diversity and excitement that makes for a truly dynamic “live, work and play city.” A County-funded conference center consultant has noted that a downtown conference center will not be successful without more nearby entertainment venues to attract conference goers.
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Fruitville Road Redevelopment
A combined effort to enhance the gateway to Sarasota and to reconnect the Rosemary District, the Gillespie Park and Park East Neighborhoods to downtown by improving the esthetics and safety of Fruitville Road. Elements of this plan include establishing pedestrian links to these neighborhoods, eliminating the bike paths and moving them to Sixth Street (Boulevard of the Arts) on the north and to Ringling Boulevard on the south. Fruitville Road should be renamed Third Street to re-establish the seamless continuity of the downtown street grid.
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Five Points Park
The redesign and rebuilding of Five Points Park will create a safe, pedestrian-friendly oasis in downtown Sarasota creating a place of solitude and an area where cultural events can be enjoyed by all while enhancing the built environment around it.
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Historic District
The creation of a historic district to sustain and strengthen the economic vitality of the downtown retail district. Working with the Sarasota Historical Commission, the City of Sarasota and a sub-committee of the Downtown Partnership, seek approval to list the proposed historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic district that would include Main Street from Orange Avenue to Gulf Stream Boulevard, Palm Avenue from Lower Main Street to McAnsh. Pineapple Avenue from Five Points to Cocoanut Avenue and First Street from Palm Avenue to the North Tamiami Trail (41). Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credits, Florida Real Estate Tax incentives for historic preservation and the creation of a City of Sarasota Downtown Facade Rehabilitation Grant Program and a TIF funded Streetscape improvement program would all provide vehicles for building and public improvements.
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JOIN A COMMITTEE
We welcome your talents on any of our volunteer committees. To join an issue subcommittee, contact the chair of the committee. For more information or to join other committees, please call the office at 951.2656. Both you and your downtown will benefit.
TRANPORTATION
Andy Dorr, Chair
Five Points Sarasota Investors
362-4920
HOUSING (AROD)
Bruce Franklin, Chair
The ADP Group
957-1435
ENTERTAINMENT
Craig Colburn, Chair
Kirk Pinkerton
364-2400
FRUITVILLE ROAD
Alex Lancaster, Chair
Lancaster & Eure, PA
365-7575
FIVE POINTS PARK
Ron McCollough, Chair
366-6891
HISTORIC DISTRIC
Lorrie Muldowney, Chair
Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation
953-2916
1416 State Street . Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: 941-951-2656 . Fax: 941-366-6633
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